'Idol' May Not Even Allow Pia Toscano to Release CD

Just days after getting voted off 'American Idol' in shocking fashion, songstress Pia Toscano reportedly snapped up a record deal with Interscope Records, but sources tell me nothing has been signed as management looks into whether 19 Entertainment will allow her to release anything at all.

"When you compete on 'Idol,' you must sign one of the strictest contracts in the business," a former 'AI' contestant tells me. "Not only does 'Idol' own you for the entire show and live tour that follows, it also controls everything you can do professionally for a long period after that."

That means that 19 Entertainment has first crack at every artist.

Pia's rep told E! News over the weekend that all the talk about a done deal is "all rumor," but it's completely true that Interscope has big plans for the Queens native, if only they can get their hands on her.

As previously reported, Interscope is already calling every top songwriter and producer to get an album together and rush-release it before the end of the season, but none of this matters unless 'Idol' allows her to do it.

"No way do the producers want a contestant who was kicked off having a hit record when the winner hasn't even been announced yet," another 'Idol' insider tells me. "The first hit song has always been from the winner and this year will be no different."

If you start having singers who were voted off charting before the show has wrapped, then the entire process loses credibility, my source contends.

"This is about protecting the brand, not about protecting Pia," the insider says. "She can record as many songs as she wants, but 'Idol' will refuse to allow them to be released for now until the show is over."

Don't really understand what the big deal is about Pia...I don't think she'll be as big as Kelly, Carrie, and JHud. She may be visually appealing, but it gets old pretty quickly...she doesn't have the face that grows on you gradually.

Pia is (was) by far the brightest talent in a number of seasons. Too bad "Idol" doesn't have a safeguard in place for the unexpected tragedies (well they did use one too early). "Idol" loses their creditability with Pia's departure.Scottie is good, but not better!!! Others are mediocre!

I agree, what's left to watch until the finale just a bunch of mediocres until we get to the finale and that will probably be Scotty and someone, theres nothing left! Judges used the save badly, why even use it on Casey he clearly isn't going to win, wasted save!!!!

I've sworn off AI because of Pia being voted off and quite frankly as far as I'm concerned there is really no great talent left other than Lauren whom I think has a nice voice but the guys...please...why is Scotty still there and Stefano. I don't see any "X" factor there and Haley with all that growling. And also quite frankly this is the judges fault by using the save too soon. It shouldn't even be used until the Top 10.

If what is being reported is true, then Pia is really been screwed over again.

It's hardly a huge secret that AI has some of the most tightly written contracts around and no one gets on the show without signing it. Basically, 19E gets first refusal rights to sign anyone. Pia would not legally be able to sign any recording contracts without them being involved. It doesn't matter how eager this label is to get Pia signed - she cannot do anything before 19E releases her and they hold the rights to her until they either sign her or the end of the AI tour. And there is no way that AI will allow her to release anything before the winner releases his/her album. End of story.

Pia knew the rules of the game the instant she had that contract in front of her. She got the benefit of exposure from AI that might launch her into a successful career. But she also signed over her rights to just walk away and try to succeed on her own.

Pia is pretty, and she has a great voice, not an outstanding voice, if she was on the radio now I would not know who was singing.I do not like her hair parted in the middle at all!!!She would look great with it parted on the side.America voted, So!!!!! were the one's who voted her off, you cant blame the show(good greif people!!!Scotty may be the one to beat, but he will go country & that will be great!!!He has that outstanding voice, you will know who he is when you hear him on the radio!!!

Do any of you even remember that once all there was RADIO, no TV, no Internet NOTHING VISUAL to inhibit the listeners interpertation of "talent". Cowell interprises are making bank while all these poor kids raked over the coals for a "Shot" at fame. Most will simply fall away and grow up, others will cry foul but NONE of them will ever be a true "STAR". Short cuts are just that...short lived.

yea, everyone but the winner should be allowed to do what they want, especially if they came in 9th place, they should not have to wait on the "winners hit song", did Lee Dewyze even have a song last year, i never heard it!